TASTE Guernsey sponsors ABN AMRO have formed a partnership with Caritas to raise funds for the charity at this year’s Seafront Sundays.

Last year, ABN AMRO as sponsors of Taste Guernsey decided to do more than just hand over a cheque and so took part in each of the seafront events by cooking a dish and selling portions. Last year they raised more than £1,300 which was divided between Every Child Our Future, Guernseymums Postnatal Depression Support Group and the Chernobyl Children Life Line.

‘We are delighted that we can be the main sponsor of Taste Guernsey again this year. For us, this is much more than just a simple sponsorship, we want to do all we can to help promote gourmet Guernsey which is why we get so involved in the event,’ said ABN AMRO managing director Graham Thoume.

‘We will once again be playing a very active part in this year’s Seafront Sundays and have joined up with Caritas Community Charitable Trust who will benefit from all the money raised by us over the course of the summer.’

Caritas, which was founded in 2007, aims to establish a residential community which supports young people in difficulty, distress or need as well as those in the youth justice system.

The charity originally started by growing fruit and vegetables to sell but last year opened a community café in Mill Street. The Church of England Deanery initiative relies on profits it makes through the café and its market stalls as well as donations from sponsors.

‘It was fascinating to find out more about Caritas and see how a passion for food can have so many benefits for those it is working with. The team of volunteers work tirelessly to help a huge number of youngsters learn new skills, develop their self-esteem and change the direction of their lives,’ said Mr Thoume.

‘We hope that by partnering with them over the summer that we can help them raise much needed funds to further their amazing work as well as providing them with an opportunity to showcase what they are doing and give some of the youngsters the chance to work alongside the ABN AMRO team in preparing and cooking our super-sized dishes.’

Reverend Bellinger said the charity was taken aback that it had been chosen by ABN AMRO.

‘We are very lucky that we have had the support of so many people to make what was a huge vision become a reality. We know that by providing a safe place where young people can spend time and engage with a wide team of professionals in a more natural environment that we can change lives,’ he said.

‘We have plans for the future but need to raise the funds first which we are doing through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. What is all the more satisfying is when a company the size of ABN AMRO understands and appreciates what we are trying to achieve and provides us with an opportunity to fundraise and raise awareness.’

The first food-orientated Seafront Sunday takes place this Sunday and ABN AMRO will be cooking up a giant seafood paella. There are also Taste Guernsey Seafront Sundays on 13th July and 10th August and the Taste Guernsey festival from 4th – 7th September.